The Urban Cheerleading Experience was founded in 2017 by Demonde Gladman, aided by Alexis Griffen of Norfolk State. UCE strives to represent the traditional, rhythmic style of cheer on a national scale. UCE recruits staff from top colleges and universities across the country to find individuals that are identifiable role models for young athletes. Our staff is dedicated to teaching the high energy, rhythmic style of cheer and teaching leadership skills BEYOND the sideline, while creating positive traditions in the Urban style.

Crowd Leader

The title cheerleader says it all, leading the crowd through cheers. They can do this by using a combination of crowd-effective chants and skills to hype the crowd up and rally them together to support the athletes on the field or court. Our big motions and ryhthmic energy along with the assistances of signs, poms, megaphones and more are vital tools to get the crowd’s attention and communicate loudly and clearly how they should participate. This should strengthen unity among the fans, encourage sportsmanship and foster pride and loyalty for the school and community.

Spirit Raiser

When cheerleaders spread their sense of pride for their school both on and off the field, they are helping others build a connection to their place of learning and the community within it. Spirit raising is taking the pride cheerleaders have for their school and sharing it with others. Whether it means making signs and encouraging their peers to attend the big game, planning and hosting pep rallies, organizing sprit weeks or keeping the positivity up in and out of the classroom, spirit starts with the cheerleading team.

Ambassador

As some of the most visible students on campus, it is important for cheerleaders to be positive role models for others both inside the classroom and out in the community. As examples for other students, cheerleaders can help raise the bar for academics, school spirit and behavior. At games, the cheerleader’s primary role is to support the success of others. How many other athletes can say that? Cheerleaders celebrate other team’s victories just like it’s their own. Win, lose or tie, cheerleaders understand the value of sportsmanship and the importance of supporting others, teaching them to be better role models both on and off the field.

Athlete

Just like all athletes, cheerleaders have the natural drive to perfect their skills and progress to new ones. Cheerleading requires strength and flexibility to perform stunts, jumps and tumbling. Technique creates a strong foundation for hitting skills and learning new ones. Physical endurance is required to cheer throughout an entire game, during practices and at competition. Competition is an opportunity for recognition for the incredible job cheerleaders do throughout the year. While it does showcase great athleticism, it should not be the team’s primary focus.

Entertainer

Not only do cheerleaders support the athletes on the field, they entertain the crowd in the stands in between plays, during timeouts or halftimes and during other spirit raising events. By performing visual dances, partner stunts and tumbling, cheerleaders create a visual interest to supplements the in-game entertainment never distracting what is happening on the field. If the crowd is engaged with what the cheerleaders are performing on the sidelines, they are more likely to yell for the athletes on the field or court.

Safety

Through our camps, we have consistently stressed safety awareness classes that emphasize the importance of proper technique and progressions for all cheerleaders. There is no more important issue in cheerleading than safety. Our goal moving forward is to continue to make cheerleading safer and safer, and to ensure that our athletes understand it is vital in their team’s success. We will go through a Safety Awareness and Spotting Seminar before we start stunt class, too!

Leadership

From individuals leading within a squad to a squad leading on campus and in the community, spirit leaders will focus on developing the fundamental NFHS leadership skills. The four crucial aspects of leadership as stated by the NFHS are communication, team building, problem solving, and motivation. The Urban Cheer Staff will lead you every step of the way through the Squad Credentialing Program!